Best French American Restaurants in Downtown / Loop

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar restaurant

1. Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar

4.4

Price: Moderate

• French american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 7 times today

Nestled within the iconic Carbide & Carbon building on Michigan Avenue, Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar offers a slice of Paris right in the heart of Chicago. Celebrated for its "elegant architecture" and "fabulous staff," this modern French restaurant delights its guests with a menu that brilliantly melds classic French flavors with contemporary flair, crafted under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Marcel Heiduk. Patrons rave about the "divine oysters" and the "perfectly served escargot," highlighting the authenticity and quality of the offerings. Whether it's enjoying a leisurely brunch or savoring the happy hour specials, Venteux provides a "stellar" dining experience that keeps diners coming back. As one satisfied guest puts it, this place is truly a "neighborhood gem" in Downtown Chicago.

2. Bar La Rue

4.6

Exceptional(165)

Price: Expensive

• French american • West Loop

Booked 30 times today

Bar La Rue celebrates French-American cuisine with an inventive cocktail program in the heart of Fulton Market. The stylish space boasts a beautiful all-season, street-side, walk-in-friendly pergola bar and dining area, perfect for a cozy patio experience. The menu incorporates French plays on approachable American comfort foods, offering an inviting setting for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Whether you're enjoying cocktails at the bar, celebrating birthdays, or planning a romantic date, Bar La Rue provides a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

A photo of La Grande Boucherie - Chicago restaurant

3. La Grande Boucherie - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(848)

Price: Very Expensive

• French american • River North (Chicago)

Booked 68 times today

Nestled in the heart of Chicago's River North, La Grande Boucherie offers a transcendent blend of traditional French cuisine and Chicago's rich culinary heritage. Housed in the stunning Belle Époque building, this restaurant provides an atmosphere that evokes the charm of a Parisian brasserie with its authentic fixtures and custom mosaic marble floors. Diners rave about the "exceptional food and outstanding service," with dishes like the creamy crème brûlée and perfectly prepared steak frites consistently earning high praise. Whether it's the indulgent ambiance, the meticulously crafted menu, or the attentive staff, La Grande Boucherie delivers an authentic French dining experience that is truly "the closest thing to a Paris bistro in Chicago."

4. Francois Frankie

4.6

Exceptional(161)

Price: Expensive

• French american • Downtown / Loop

Booked 8 times today

Francois Frankie, nestled in the vibrant heart of Chicago's Loop, is a culinary gem where French American cuisine is celebrated with flair and finesse. The restaurant, known for its enchanting carousel bar and exquisite decor, offers a delightful blend of classic French dishes and modern American flavors. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the menu, with highlights including "the best cheeseburger in the city" and perfectly executed steak frites. The atmosphere is equally praised, described as "a beautiful restaurant with an amazing decor and a great ambiance." Whether it's the escargot or the mussels, every dish is crafted to perfection by Executive Chef Matt Ayala, making Francois Frankie a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional French American dining experience.

5. avec River North

4.7

Exceptional(413)

Price: Moderate

• French american • River North (Chicago)

Booked 70 times today

Avec River North, nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, is a gem for those seeking exceptional Contemporary French/American cuisine. The restaurant has earned a reputation for its "consistently delicious" fare, under the guidance of James Beard award-winning chef Paul Kahan and executive chef Dylan Patel. Patrons rave about the "creative and perfectly prepared food," with dishes like the bacon-wrapped dates and duck confit agnolotti receiving high praise. The ambiance of Avec River North matches the quality of its dishes, described as "a great vibe" and perfect for any occasion. As one diner put it, "Every dish was heavenly," making Avec River North a must-visit for a quintessential Chicago dining experience.

6. NoMI

4.7

Exceptional(3082)

Price: Expensive

• French american • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 46 times today

NoMI, nestled in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast/Streeterville neighborhood, offers a breathtaking culinary journey through French cuisine with a modern twist. With its prime location above North Michigan Avenue, diners at NoMI can savor stunning views of Water Tower Place and the vibrant cityscape. Critics and guests alike rave about the authenticity and quality of its dishes. One diner enthused, "The food is excellent!!! Our server was Amazing!!!" while another shared, "Everything is very fresh. It’s all well-prepared. Everything was delicious." From the well-crafted sushi to the delightful desserts, every dish showcases the finesse of French culinary art. Whether for a special occasion or a casual outing, NoMI promises an enchanting dining experience with its superb service, elegant ambiance, and, importantly, its exquisitely authentic French offerings.

7. North Pond

4.8

Exceptional(4763)

Price: Very Expensive

• French american • Lincoln Park

Booked 23 times today

North Pond, nestled in the scenic Lincoln Park of Chicago, offers a pristine French dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. Chef César Murillo's meticulous attention to seasonal ingredients is reflected in a menu that dazzles with complexity and elegance. The restaurant's four-course tasting menu, lauded for its "exceptional cuisine" and "impeccable meal" experiences, showcases a perfect blend of traditional French techniques with creative flair. Diners often remark on the "spectacular" food and service, with one guest noting it as "the best combination of culinary experiences, idyllic setting, and extraordinary hospitality." This beloved spot is a top recommendation for anyone seeking an exceptional French meal in a magical setting, making every dining occasion memorable.

A photo of Eight Bar and Patio restaurant

8. Eight Bar and Patio

4.5

Awesome(61)

Price: Very Expensive

• French american • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 3 times today

Eight Bar and Patio, nestled in the vibrant Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, epitomizes the essence of American cuisine with a touch of luxury and ease. Celebrated for its exceptional ambiance and superior service, this gem offers an array of American classics, from succulent steaks to fresh seafood, ensuring every dish is a culinary delight. Patrons rave about the "perfectly cooked filet" and the "best seafood tower," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. The lively yet relaxed atmosphere, combined with personalized touches like custom birthday menus and complimentary cocktails, makes every dining experience truly memorable. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual outing, Eight Bar and Patio stands out as a premier destination for authentic American dining in Chicago.

A photo of Taureaux Tavern, Bar and Brasserie restaurant

9. Taureaux Tavern, Bar and Brasserie

4.5

Awesome(179)

Price: Moderate

• French american • Downtown / Loop

Taureaux Tavern, nestled in the bustling Loop neighborhood of Chicago, is a gem for those seeking authentic French cuisine with a contemporary twist. Executive Chef Eric Tiglao's meticulously crafted menu brings the essence of France to the heart of the city, offering dishes that are both innovative and steeped in tradition. Patrons rave about the "delicious and filling" mix green salad and the "out of this world" Gougères, highlighting the quality and authenticity of the offerings. The ambiance, described as "very high class and sophisticated," complements the dining experience, making Taureaux Tavern a must-visit for anyone craving a true taste of French excellence. As one enthusiast puts it, "If you haven't tried this place out, please do so! You won't be disappointed."

A photo of Hemmingway's Bistro restaurant

10. Hemmingway's Bistro

4.6

Exceptional(1224)

Price: Moderate

• French american • Oak Park

Booked 22 times today

Hemmingway's Bistro in Oak Park flawlessly merges the essence of French cuisine with American flair, offering a menu that highlights the freshest Midwest ingredients alongside classic French dishes. The chef's passion for fresh seafood is evident, with daily specials featuring East-coast seafood flown in from Boston, like the praised wild mushroom-crusted halibut and roasted sea bass. Patrons rave about the authentic French American dining experience, noting it's "a slice of Europe in Oak Park!" and celebrating the "superb" rabbit and halibut dishes. The Parisian seafood bar and selection of French and American wines further authenticate the bistro's European vibe, making every dining experience here not just a meal, but a culinary journey.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Chicagovip
Chicago / Illinois •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Was generally welcoming and nice. Couple of dishes were not as wonderful as expected though a couple were great. Will come back. O
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Hemmingway's BistroPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Oak Park
•
4.6
S
Suevip
Chicago / Illinois •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The atmosphere, food and service were excellent! Ask to be seated in the section with server, Julien, who is extremely professional, friendly, knowledgeable and resourceful! Both the Caesar salad and kale salads were wonderful, the steak frites was grilled (rare) to perfection and the roasted half chicken was so juicy! We stayed late and the vibe got even more lively! I highly recommend Bar La Rue for a great night out!
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Bar La RuePrice: Expensive• French American• West Loop
•
4.6
M
Mary Ann
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Absolute perfection throughout my whole visit. Staff was very attentive & the food was impeccable. The jazz duo was a sweet bonus. First time here. Definitely not my last.
More info
Francois FrankiePrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6

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Downtown / Loop

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Best French American Restaurants in Downtown / Loop

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar

2. Bar La Rue

3. La Grande Boucherie - Chicago

4. Francois Frankie

5. avec River North

6. NoMI

7. North Pond

8. Eight Bar and Patio

9. Taureaux Tavern, Bar and Brasserie

10. Hemmingway's Bistro

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